SHARING THE GOSPEL IN CHINA
The Body of Christ doesn’t get to hear many updates from the field in the regions of China and other countries where the Gospel is restricted. It can be very dangerous for them to communicate how the Lord is moving, and testimonies are sometimes difficult to share because of the care that needs to be taken to protect everyone involved.
One of our missionaries who has been working throughout China for decades. recently shared some encouraging stories with us. Please join us in praying that the Holy Spirit will continue working in the hearts of those who heard the Gospel, nurturing the seeds planted and drawing them into a deeper relationship with Jesus.
For safety, we will call our missionary, Susan and reshare some of her recent updates below.
Spreading the Good News
Even on the way to China, Susan had opportunities to minister. During her long journey from the United States, she shared the Gospel with a Japanese traveler who had never heard the full message before. After arriving in China, Susan and her mother who had traveled with her, visited their relatives across six rural villages, sharing the Gospel and personal testimonies with 14 family members in six different homes. One of Susan’s aunts joyfully prayed to receive Christ!
Emergency Food Delivery
Susan received updates from her ministry partners in China, testifying how the food deliveries helped about 600 families in the north survive the harsh cold winter and chilly early spring. While summer provided more food, severe flooding created additional hardships. During her trip, $4,000 was raised to provide emergency food assistance, reaching 32 families, including some in remote areas who had not previously received aid. The families expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support and care shown to them, recognizing God's love and provision.
Visiting Church Families
During this visit, Susan also spent time with a local pastor, his leaders, and several members of the church community. They shared testimonies of God's faithfulness through difficult seasons and how God had protected and strengthened them. Susan encouraged them through the Scriptures and later joined their growing fellowship for a time of worship and sharing God's Word. It was a joyful gathering filled with God's presence and a reminder of His continued faithfulness.
Susan received an unexpected invitation to visit a state-sanctioned church, which is a congregation that has been registered with the government. Although they face ongoing pressure and close monitoring from authorities, Susan was deeply encouraged by their unwavering faith. As she joined them for worship, she witnessed their bold proclamation of God's Word and heartfelt prayers. It was a beautiful reminder of God's faithfulness as these believers continue to stand strong in their faith despite the challenges they face.
Susan also visited four other families who had faced significant challenges over the past year, including increased restrictions from the government. She spent time listening to their struggles, encouraging them, and joining them in prayer and worship, just as Colossians 3:16 encourages us to do. Through their time together, both Susan and the families experienced renewed strength, comfort, and encouragement in the Lord.
Please pray for God's protection over these growing communities of believers as they continue to gather, grow in faith, and encourage one another.
Photo Caption: Susan visited a young couple. They invited a few others to join. Together, they encouraged each other and worshiped together. The gathered community in Christ is most beautiful.
Exploring Opportunities
Following two busy weeks in China, Susan traveled to South Korea to meet with ministry partners to discuss opportunities to reconnect with families in the north. After years of prayer and exploring possibilities, a door finally opened for one of the ladies to make her first visit to China since the COVID border closures.
This woman was able to cross the border with a small group to meet with local partners, assess how food deliveries are helping families, and explore a potential business opportunity that could allow for regular visits. We thank God for her safe return and ask for continued prayer that God will open doors for ongoing ministry to more families in China.
Before returning home, Susan and this friend visited a church in South Korea together, sharing God's Word and updates on their ministry in China. The congregation expressed their continued commitment to the work, and a team meeting with the pastor strengthened their partnership and vision moving forward.
After a long journey, Susan returned home safely, grateful for all that was accomplished and for the prayers and generous support from those who made the trip possible.
To support Susan and the work she is doing in China visit, gotonations.org/project/P907NATC
Please join us in praying for the persecuted church across China and other Creative Access nations throughout Asia, that the Gospel would continue to flourish, borders would be opened to Christian workers, and that the Church would be bold and courageous with their faith.